Nikon D300 In-depth Review

Compared to...

The choice of cameras for comparison is the same as the specification comparison on the previous page, so that's the D300 versus the Canon EOS 40D, Olympus E-3 and Sony DSLR-A700. In addition we'll add the D200 in for a relative improvement comparison over the camera it replaces.

Lenses used

For direct comparisons we always use sharp prime lenses stopped down (F8-F9 or F6.3 for the Four Thirds lens). Here we have used the Minolta 50 mm F1.4, Canon EF 50 mm F1.4, Nikon 50 mm F1.8 and Olympus 50 mm F2.0 Macro.

Studio scene comparison (JPEG)

This is our standard studio scene comparison shot taken from exactly the same tripod position. Lighting: daylight simulation, >98% CRI. Crops are 100%. Ambient temperature was approximately 22°C (~72°F).

Nikon D300 vs Nikon D200

There are a few caveats you should consider when looking at the comparison below; firstly that the D200's default sharpening is less than the D300 and secondly that the D200's base sensitivity is ISO 100 where as it is ISO 200 with the D300.

Firstly you can see the improvement in edge sharpness and texture definition gained from the slightly stronger sharpening employed by the D300. You can also see an improvement in the level and definition of detail thanks to two more megapixels (which equates to just 256 additional vertical lines). Tone and color balance are very similar, the D300 perhaps just a little more saturated, especially reds.

Comments

i just bought a used d300 from B&Hphoto first and last time i buy used from them. the camera works and looks great but there is a problem it has a shutter count of 322000. cannot return it because i live out side the U.S i was just passing through so i took a risk. besides that i works like it should. heavy duty camera that when it was new costed $1800 today $300 or less.still have to test what i bought it for surf.

great camera in our times for study photography, for young beginners... For example, in China you can buy D300+18-70/3.5-4.5 (great lens with true fast AF motor!!!!) for 350 USD in MINT condition! Great price, i think...

Just like most Nikons with an S it just means there is an sd card slot. And depending on where you live Adorama in NYC has great deals on the D300 for 209 - 229 right now. I just got one last week for 209 and it looks like new and works flawless.

The "S" has nothing to do with having an SD card slot, as the other "S" models do not have an SD slot.. Check out the 2Xs, 2Hs, 3s, 4s, there are no SD card slots. The "S" just means it is a model with extra feature tweaks above the base model.

I gave my d300 to my daughter but could not depart from it so I bought another used one. I have d610 and d810 but d300 is on my shoulder most of the time. Stellar camera for everyday adventure. Quality work. True retro. Is anyone out there who might have similar feelings for this camera?

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